Optical Design Engineer

G5 Infrared a Light Path Technologies company is a leading global provider of precision infrared and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, Light Path designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

The Optical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, simulation, optimization, validation, and transition to production of precision optical systems for infrared imaging and electro-optical sensing applications. This role supports the development of thermal camera systems from concept through production by collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-performance, manufacturable optical solutions.

Responsibilities:

Concept development, trade-off analysis, and lens design for imaging systems

Develop optical solutions including tolerancing, design for manufacturing analyses, and optimization to meet optical performance requirements in production

Interface and collaborate with other engineering disciplines to ensure overall product success

Create optical specifications, requirements definitions, and documentation for suppliers and internal teams

Work with suppliers and internal departments regarding fabrication and assembly

Support prototyping, test and evaluation, process development, and design validation

Provide and support continuous improvement of design and analysis methodologies and tools

Contribute to cost estimating and proposal writing

Perform optical tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure manufacturable, production-ready designs.

Support optical system integration, alignment, and troubleshooting during prototype and production builds.

Participate in design reviews and technical risk assessments.

Analyze optical test data and correlate measured performance with design predictions.

Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to optical performance.

Assist in new product introduction (NPI) and transition of designs into manufacturing.

Maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, and design reports.

Support supplier technical reviews and optical component qualification.

Tasks as assigned

Experience/

Qualifications:

BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field7+ years of lens design and optical system development

Must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
Extensive knowledge of:

Optical design for imaging systems

Geometrical and physical optics

System performance modeling

Design for manufacturing

Commercial optical design software

Experience with optical product manufacturing and optical component sourcing

Experience with infrared systems (thermal imagers highly desired)
Experience designing zoom lenses

Expertise in Zemax / Optic Studio design software

Proficient with Matlab software

Experience supporting production optics, yield improvement, and precision alignment methods

Ability to provide technical guidance on assigned projects

Experience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing)
Exposure to defense and/or aerospace industries

Proficiency with non-sequential raytrace analysis

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Effective organizational and project management skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Collaborative team player

Continuous improvement mindset
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